What do subsurface rights allow a property owner to access?

Subsurface rights grant a property owner access to the resources located beneath the surface of their land, which primarily includes underground mineral rights and gas rights. These rights are significant because they allow the owner to explore, extract, and profit from valuable resources such as oil, natural gas, coal, and various minerals. Understanding subsurface rights is crucial for property owners, especially in areas where such resources may be present, as they can have substantial economic value.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of property rights. The land above the surface relates to surface rights, which pertain to the ownership and use of the land itself. Airspace rights involve the space above the property, which is separate from subsurface rights. Water rights for irrigation involve the right to use water sources for agricultural purposes and are not included under subsurface rights, which specifically focus on what lies below the ground. Thus, the emphasis on resources beneath the earth’s surface defines the correct answer.